The Pompey Generation

Pompey

The first permanent stone theatre in Rome was built by the Republican general and political leader Pompey in 55 BC. The Theatrum Pompeii was the biggest of three theatres built in the Campus Martius. It was described as wanton, licentious, the stronghold of every vice.

The censors of the day, concerned for the moral welfare of the public, often sought to close down shows, even close the theatres. Pompey, concerned for his legacy, attempted to get around the censors by building a temple to Venus over his theatre, ‘under which,’ he said, ‘we have put rows of seats for the shows.’ A newly converted Tertullian wrote:

‘Thus did he cloak this damned and damnable work under the name of a temple, and by the aid of superstition eluded the rule.’ (From De Spectaculis, or Treatise on Public Shows)

It seems to me that many churches today have followed the example of Pompey. The sense of the sacred has been replaced by the call of the carnal as clowns and jesters roam the courts of the King.

The pulpit is replaced by a stage, worship by sing-alongs, the Bible by storytelling, quiet lives of daily devotion by thrilling events and occasions. Under the guise of Christian worship they have brought theatre, entertainment into the church.

To paraphrase Tertullian, Thus do they cloak their damned and damnable work under the name of Christianity, and by the aid of religion elude the rule of faith:

‘What becomes of our boasting? It is excluded. By what kind of law? By a law of works? No, but by the law of faith.’ Romans 3:27

There is an excellent 2019 commentary on this phenomenon over at Patheos, What's Next for Contemporary Worship? Hopefully death.

In so many places now sin isn’t preached any more, being replaced by encouraging words from life coaches who have unseated the expository preacher. Challenging words of life, sin and repentance, have been replaced by you-can-do-it words of encouragement and assurance, reasons to boast of our great achievements for Christ and his kingdom. He will be so pleased with us when he comes.

The Bible sits idle somewhere while Christians rush to the book table to purchase the latest ‘Live Your Best Life Now’ book from some millionaire scam artist who dresses sharp, drives a Corvette, calls himself pastor, but who has never pastored anyone in his life.

Christians are getting their theology from streaming services. Weighty hymns and choruses have been replaced with pop songs, some so poorly written they would not see the light of day out in the professional, competitive world of public entertainment.

They reflect in their lyrics the latest heresies to hit the church, telling us that God is desperate for our love, that he loves us just as we are, and all he wants to do is bless us. That we can conquer, overcome, know health and wealth, make this world so great, in fact, that we stop thinking about the next. So it is they blindly dance to Armageddon.

This is the Pompey generation and it is worshipping in the wrong temple.

Mormon Christians? Whats in a Name?

The Mormon Church, disturbed by the continuing identifying of polygamus sects in the news with the name Mormon, recently issued a press statement aimed at "clarifying" issues. It is interesting to note that if you substitute the name "Christian" where they use the name "Mormon" it makes a very good argument for us against the claims of the Mormon Church. The full press release is reproduced below in italics with each paragraph rewritten in ordinary text to present it from a Christian perspective. SALT LAKE CITY 10 July 2008 On 26 June, Newsroom published a package of information featuring profiles of ordinary Latter-day Saints in Texas. With no other intention but to define themselves, these members provided a tangible depiction of what their faith is all about. They serve as the best distinction between the lifestyles and values of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints and a Texas-based polygamous group that has recently attracted media attent...

Cheers!

In their latest update #4, the Jehovah’s Witnesses' Governing Body has announced that toasting and ‘ clinking glasses’ is now allowed at the individual Jehovah’s Witness’s ‘ bible trained conscience’ . This, Governing Body member Stephen Lett tells us, is due to ‘ prayerful consideration’ by the Governing Body. This doesn’t sound unreasonable; who could possibly object to toasting, it’s such an innocuous custom? The answer to that is the Governing Body itself, until now. Ever since 1952, and possibly earlier, the Watchtower has roundly condemned this practice due to its ‘ pagan roots’ in ‘ false religion’ . The 15 May 1952 Watchtower (page 319), has this to say on the matter Jehovah God and Christ Jesus are not honored by having pagan customs of toasting switched to them, or to human s In 1968, in an answer to Questions from Readers, the 1 Jan Watchtower states If a Christian is going to make a request f...

Is atheism an intolerant belief?

The Big Questions , Sunday 2 August 2009, third question. A growing number of Britons say they are certain there is no God - but how do they know? Professor John Adams of the North Yorkshire Humanist Association begins by asking theists what evidence they have for their beliefs. Paul Woolley of Theos continues by pointing out Richard Dawkins description of faith as a 'virus', and the appalling track record of atheism in the 20th Century, as spearheaded by Pol Pot and Stalin. Chloe Clifford-Frith of the Humanist and Secular Students Society contends that Stalin did not do the things he did because he was an atheist, but because he was evil. Paul Woolley rejoins that atheists are trying to have it both ways when they claim that religion is the cause of evil, but refuse to acknowledge the ideological impetus of atheism when it comes to many evil acts. Mao and Stalin both replaced God with the State - a 'religious' manoeuvre. Rev Alistair Rycroft of St Michael Le Belfrey Ch...

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